Allow me to introduce one of the newest tourist attraction in Sabah, Mari Mari Cultural Village which was officially opened in November 2008. Unlike the popular Monsopiad Cultural Village with its famous 'House of Real Human Skulls' and legendary scope on Sabahan Culture, MMCV offers an educational approach with its many demonstration stalls allowing visitors to practically try as well. Besides the stated, MCV and MMCV has pretty much similar attractions, such as, cultural longhouses, cultural performances with traditional instruments, hanging bridge over stream (at MMCV) or river (at MCV), a souvenir shop and both very commercialized. I personally find that a choice between the two solely depends on your intent between a legendary/traditional/skulls (MCV) or educational/hands-on/traditional (MMCV).My last visit was in December 2008 on a company familiarization trip. Upon arriving at the entrance, we were told by our introducer that 'Smoking is Prohibited' within
One must cross a hanging bridge over a stream into the village . As a nostalgic feeling slowly envelopes and transports you to times past. Our tour of the Mari Mari Cultural Village starts here, and I am proud to share my experiences on what I have seen in this amazing village.
After crossing the suspension bridge, walking through a cement pathway surrounding themed with tall trees and creeping vines, we arrived at the Dusun house... It features rooms, living area and kitchen.
Upon exiting through the back door of the Dusun House, we arrived at a traditional Bamboo cooking stall. Here we had the opportunity to pick and mix different ingredients to add into our individual bamboos which will be cooked with firewood and served at the restaurant at the end of our tour. On that day we had a pick of prawns, chicken and local vegetables!
Right beside the Bamboo Cooking stall, we had an educational demo on "How to Process Montoku (Rice Wine)". We even tried some!
We then walked over to the Rungus Longhouse with its many rooms for many families. In the longhouse, we witnessed how to start a fire without using any modern conveniences ie matches or lighters. I also found that this traditional method very physically demanding. I thought that if I were to do this everyday, I would grow arm muscles in no time...
Our next visit was my tribe, the Lundayeh House...
The crocodile figure, often confused with a 'cicak' (domestic lizard) elevated from the ground outside the house is said to ward off unwanted enemies from other 'kampungs' (villages). As a symbol of bravery and a warriors intensity...
In the Lundayeh House, we learned the ways to traditionally produce ropes...
Also, upon exiting we had a demo on the ways to create traditional vests, walls, etc using tree bark...
Next stop is the Bajau House with its props for photo taking...
Beside the house are stalls... The first was demonstrating the traditional way of cooking 'Kuih Jala' (local cake). Loved the coconut cooking utensils and the Kuih Jala was simply delicious! 
The second, a traditional way of making Pandan Juice...Mmmm, sweet!
After we headed down the path to the Murut Longhouse, only to be stopped by local villagers and we were warped back in time to an age where we where inspected by the chief of the village . They then performed a traditional welcoming ceremony to ward off unwanted spirits. After which we where allowed to enter the Longhouse.
Beside the longhouse, the villagers showed us the method of Blowpipe making...
Inside the Murut Longhouse, traditional Padi (Rice) making technique...
And a built-in Lansaran (A trampoline like floor) made in the olden days as a game for the Murut tribe. We had the opportunity to try it for ourselves...
At the back of the Longhouse was a demonstration for traditional Tattoo making. We tried this too but only using washable henna... :)
Upon exiting the Murut Longhouse, we headed up hill to the restaurant area for Buffet Lunch and was entertained by a number of cultural performances...
After Lunch, it's time to head back to Kota Kinabalu...
MMCV is located approximately 30minutes drive away from Kota Kinabalu City, right before Kiansom Waterfall on a small junction to the right. Tours with transfers from Kota Kinabalu are easily arranged at RM150per adult; RM130per child at certain travel agencies in the city (Please make arrangements one day in advance with your selected agent). Tours are conducted 3times daily with approximately 5hours duration in the am (9am-2pm), pm (2pm-7pm) and night (5pm-10pm). A standard package includes return transfers, English speaking guide, buffet lunch/high tea/dinner, Longhouse tour with demo, activities and cultural performances. If one is planning to visit, a list of things to bring are cap/hat, extra pocket money, comfortable walking shoes/sandals/slippers, casual wear, camera and a bottle of your fav mineral water.
Whether it be a tourist or a local, a visit to MMCV will enlightening you further on Cultures in Sabah and its traditional ways. Hopefully achieving their primary objective to educate and marvel our visitors and teaching us, Sabahan's, to appreciate and never forget our culture of which we are so proud to share with the world!
Thanks for visiting!
MTJ
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